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NANCY FISHMAN

Born: Sep 05, 1926

Date of Passing: Oct 16, 2015

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NANCY FISHMAN September 5, 1926 - October 16, 2015 Passed away suddenly, but peacefully at the Simkin Centre on October 16, 2015. Nancy is survived by her children Brian and Susan of Toronto and Larry and Michele of Winnipeg. She also leaves behind her grandchildren Tory, Robert, Aidan and Akiva as well as her nieces, nephews and their children across North America. She had an especially close relationship with her niece Phyllis Folb of Los Angeles. She was predeceased by Jack her beloved husband of sixty years, her parents Teviah and Sonia, brother Ike and sister Molly. Nancy was born and raised in Winnipeg's North End. She attended William White School and St. John's High School. She lost her mother at a young age and assumed the responsibilities as the "balaboosta" of her home while carrying on her studies. Unlike most women of her era Nancy pursued higher education. She put herself through Pharmacy school, graduating from the Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Manitoba in 1950. She was the only woman in her graduating class. Also, unlike most of her peers she worked while raising her family, enjoying a long career as a pharmacist. She met Jack in the early 1950's and they wed in 1954. They moved to Jack's hometown of Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario where her sons were born. In 1967 they relocated to Winnipeg to provide their sons with a Jewish education and better opportunities for their future. In Winnipeg Nancy continued her career, working first at Lane Dispensary then later at Metro Drugs. She also reconnected with her childhood friends with whom she played bridge regularly for the next several decades. Nancy and Jack felt Jewish traditions were very important and instilled those values in their children. Nancy was very involved in her synagogue, the Chevra Mishnayes, serving as Sisterhood president. She was the classic example of the Jewish wife, mother and Baba, hosting many delicious dinners and seders. We fondly remember the many Shabbat dinners we enjoyed in her home. We treasure her recipes and will continue to honour her memory as we continue to cook them. Nancy was fortunate to enjoy a long and loving marriage to Jack. They were lucky enough to have lived a long healthy retirement together. They spent many fine winters in Palm Springs among friends and family. Funeral services were held at Shaarey Zedek Cemetery on Monday, October 19, 2015 with longtime family friend Cantor Gerry Daien officiating. Pallbearers were Aidan Fishman, Akiva Fishman, Elie Feierstein, Chuck Narvey, Robbie Waldman and Marshall Kneller. Our family wishes to extend our gratitude to the excellent staff of the Simkin Centre for their care of Nancy during the time she resided there. Special thanks to Nancy's caregiver Cion Laoag for her exceptional care, especially the last few months. Thanks also to her doctors, Dr. Wayne Manishen and Dr. Ken Vanameyde. Donations in Nancy's memory may be made to the Simkin Centre, Jewish Foundation of Manitoba (Fishman Family Fund) or charity of your choice.
Publish Date: Oct 31, 2015

NANCY FISHMAN Passed away peacefully at the Simkin Centre on Friday October 16, 2015. Graveside service at Shaarey Zedek Cemetery Monday October 19. Call Chesed Shel Emes (204) 582-5088 or check chesedshelemes.org for funeral time. Longer obituary to follow.
Publish Date: Oct 19, 2015

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 31, 2015

Condolences & Memories (1 entries)

  • My Auntie Nancy was my best friend, my role model, my cheerleader, and the most loving aunt anyone could ever want. As a child I went to bed looking at her graduation picture on my wall. One the few women to graduate college at that time I thought she was amazing and I wanted to grow up to be pharmacist, just like her even though my strong suit was not science. She would always send me a red velvet dress for my birthday on January 1st and I would wear it proudly as I watched the Rose Parade and pretended I was the Queen because I had such a beautiful dress. Years later we would gab for hours on the phone even though Uncle Jack would say "enough already". We lived 3000 miles away but our hearts were connected. Even in last days when those didn't believe she could communicate so much she communicated with me over skype with her devoted volunteer Mathew Wong or on the phone. When asked how she was feeling in her last week of life, she said "great, now that I am speaking to you!" I will live with that forever. May her memory be a blessing for all her new her. It will be for me. - Posted by: phyllis folb (niece) on: Nov 13, 2015

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